The Holden HG Brougham was the luxury flagship of the HG Holden range introduced in 1970. Designed as Holden’s premium sedan, the Brougham combined strong V8 performance with enhanced interior comfort, automatic transmission and a range of luxury features not found on other HG models. The Brougham was built to provide smooth long-distance cruising while maintaining the reliability and engineering simplicity that Holden vehicles were known for.
HG Brougham Engine
The HG Brougham was powered by a large capacity V8 engine designed to provide effortless performance and strong torque for highway driving.
Engine specifications included:
• 308 cubic inch V8 engine
• Bore and stroke 4.000 x 3.062 inches
• Maximum power approximately 240 horsepower at 4,800 rpm
• Maximum torque approximately 315 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm
• Compression ratio approximately 9.0:1
• Rochester 4-barrel carburettor
• Full pressure lubrication system
This engine provided strong acceleration and relaxed high-speed cruising suited to the Brougham’s luxury character.
Transmission
All HG Brougham models were equipped with an automatic transmission designed to provide smooth gear changes and effortless driving.
Transmission features included:
• Tri-Matic three-speed automatic transmission
• Column shift automatic selector
• Smooth hydraulic gear changes
The Tri-Matic transmission allowed the Brougham to deliver quiet and comfortable performance in both city and highway driving conditions.
Suspension and Steering
The suspension system used on the HG Brougham was designed to provide a smooth ride while maintaining stable handling.
Suspension and steering features included:
• Independent front suspension with coil springs
• Stabiliser bar
• Semi-elliptic rear leaf springs
• Progressive rate rear springs
• Power assisted steering with recirculating ball system
• Steering ratio approximately 16.7:1
These components helped provide the comfortable ride expected from Holden’s luxury sedan.
Braking System
The HG Brougham used an upgraded braking system designed to provide reliable stopping performance.
Braking features included:
• Power assisted front disc brakes
• Rear drum brakes
• Dual circuit hydraulic braking system
This braking configuration improved safety while maintaining consistent braking performance.
Wheels and Tyres
The Brougham used larger wheels and tyres suited to its size and performance.
Wheel and tyre specifications included:
• 14 x 4 inch wheels
• Double-sided safety rims
• 7.35 x 14 tyres with whitewall option
These components provided improved road stability and ride comfort.
Body and Dimensions
The HG Brougham shared the HG Holden body structure but featured extended dimensions and luxury interior appointments.
Key dimensions included:
• Wheelbase approximately 111 inches
• Overall length approximately 192 inches
• Overall width approximately 71.7 inches
• Boot capacity approximately 32 cubic feet
• Approximate kerb weight 3,200 pounds
These dimensions allowed the Brougham to offer increased interior space and luggage capacity.
Interior and Comfort Features
The HG Brougham included a wide range of interior equipment designed to enhance driver and passenger comfort.
Interior and equipment features included:
• Individual front seating
• Power operated windows
• Special instrumentation
• Laminated windscreen
• Optional air conditioning
• 11 transistor radio
• Luxury interior trim
These features helped position the Brougham as Holden’s premium luxury sedan during the HG model period.
While this guide outlines the specifications and features of the HG Brougham, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct include the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when these vehicles were new.